FERRY SINKS OFF BASILAN; 18 DEAD, 10 MISSING

A FERRY with 332 passengers on Monday sank  in the waters off Basilan  leaving at least 18 people dead and 10 others missing.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said search-and-rescue efforts continue for the missing passengers.

An investigation showed the M/V Trisha Kirstin 3 of Aleson Shipping Lines sank around 1 a.m. Monday near Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu.

According to Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman, 223 passengers, including four fatalities, were brought to Isabela City port.

Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab  said  that base on the account of some survivors, the waters in the area were rough at the time.

An off-duty crew member told Brigada News FM-Zamboanga that the crew distributed life vests as the boat listed.

“We rush to the upper decks and awakened the passengers giving them life vests,” he said.

He attributed the sinking to a snapped harness for the vehicles on board.

Moments before the RORO vessel sank, Kyle Punsalang, a recent graduate of a maritime academy, sent his brother a text message.

“Our boat is tipping over. Please help,” Punsalang said.

A video released by the PCG showed survivors being plucked from the water and receiving medical attention.

Some could be heard shouting for help in the dark in a live video on Facebook.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to extend aid to victims of the disaster.

It was the second incident involving an Aleson Shipping vessel in the area after the M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 caught fire in March 2023.